Lemn Sissay added: "Creativity thrives where it is most needed. That is why I support the CF Literary Awards."

This year's is the second national competition to discover the best writers from disadvantaged groups, including people who have a mental health issue, a physical disability, a substance misuse issue, those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation, refugees, survivors of abuse, the long-term unemployed, people with a learning disability, carers, offenders or ex-offenders, travellers, members of the BME community, members of the LGBT community, or older people (65+).

Dominique De-Light, Creative Future's director, said: "The Creative Future Literary Awards showcase the work of the most talented marginalised writers and as such gives those who are the most vulnerable and socially excluded in our society the chance to have their voice heard and their talent recognised. We were overwhelmed by the variety and quality of work we received for the last awards and are greatly looking forward to reading the entries for this year’s competition, as well as the rolling out of our national programme of workshops (a first this year)."

The theme is Impossible Things, inspired by a quote from Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2015.

There are prizes totalilng £1,000 as well as professional development opportunities for winners of the competition. A special award ceremony will take place in London in October.

Submissions are open from March 16 to June 15. Applicants can submit up to one piece of writing in each category (poetry or fiction). Poems should not exceed 200 words. Short fiction should not exceed 300 words. People can apply online, in person, or by post.